PRODUCING industry-ready graduates is vital not only for individual growth, but also for strengthening the nation’s talent pool.
With technical and vocational education and training (TVET) emerging as a popular field among students and receiving greater emphasis in national development, it is crucial that institutions offer courses aligned with this direction.
Such commitment to high educational standards and the continuous pursuit of excellence saw VTAR Institute earn recognition at the Five-Star TVET Institution Awards Ceremony organised by the Skills Development Department (JPK) under the Human Resources Ministry recently.
In this evaluation, the institute’s Electronic and Electrical programmes received five-star ratings, while its Beauty programme achieved a four-star rating.
VTAR, in a press release, said that of the 597 TVET institutions and 1,720 courses nationwide assessed during the 12th Malaysia Plan from 2023 to 2025, only 62 institutions and 155 courses achieved the highest five-star rating for educational excellence.
VTAR chief executive officer Tan Cheng Liang, who received the award from Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan at the ceremony held on Feb 11, noted that the JPK Five-Star Rating is the highest level of official recognition in Malaysia’s skills training system.
She hailed the award as a “strong affirmation of the college’s teaching achievements, serving as both encouragement and recognition for our continuous pursuit of excellence, and motivating us to strive for even higher standards”.
“VTAR has always strictly adhered to national standards to ensure students receive professional, systematic and industry-relevant skills training.
“The five-star rating fully reflects our educational strength and teaching quality in the TVET sector, as well as the long-term dedication and hard work of our entire team,” she said.
Honing electrical talent
Highlighting that the institute’s Electrical programme has always been one of its most popular courses, she said the curriculum is closely aligned with industry needs and aims to cultivate highly skilled technical professionals with practical abilities and professional competence.
“Upon completing the programme, students can obtain two Malaysian Skills Certificates and two Wireman Licences. This not only equips them with solid professional skills but also significantly enhances their competitiveness and market value in the workforce.
“More importantly, throughout their studies, students develop a disciplined work ethic and strong problem-solving abilities,” she shared, adding that the institute also develops students’ supplementary skills.
Pointing to its partnerships with several institutions in China, she said the initiative provides students with hands-on experience in the elevator programme.
“It allows students to master electrical skills while gaining exposure to high-demand technical fields, broadening their professional perspectives and strengthening their employability,” she said.
Electronic pursuit
On the institute’s Electronic programme, Tan said graduates can not only enter the workforce directly but also pursue a bachelor’s degree, opening up more pathways for career development.
“In addition to core electronics training, we provide free supplementary soft skills programmes to enhance students’ workplace abilities, including the fundamentals of single-phase wiring installation, as well as practical skills in smart home systems.
“We hope that when students leave campus, they are not only equipped with knowledge, but also with the confidence to face workplace challenges,” she said.
She added that the institute arranges for students to study abroad in China through a tuition-free short-term programme to learn about industrial robotics.
“Over the past year, students who went to China received high praise from instructors and leaders there for their professionalism, hands-on skills and enthusiasm during practical training.
“This experience not only boosted the students’ confidence, but also added an international dimension to their resumes, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market,” she said.
Beauty appeal
Citing the institute’s Beauty programme, which achieved a four-star rating, Tan said that with continued growth in demand for skilled professionals in the beauty industry, VTAR graduates enjoy strong employment prospects.
“VTAR also offers supplementary modules in hairstyling and, in collaboration with partner institutions in China, provides training in photography and videography.
“These initiatives further enrich students’ skillsets and create more opportunities for future employment,” she added.
Tan emphasised that TVET is not just about teaching a skill – it is also about equipping students with the ability to transform their future.
“Every student’s growth, and every effort in practical training, is our greatest pride. With skills in hand, the future is in your grasp,” she said.
